Top Forensic Books on my Bookshelf

[Jennifer Chase]

Recently, a few people have asked me about non-fiction books that I would recommend for reading more about crime scene investigation and serial killers.  Here are some of the top books that I refer to often in my work and I also find them extremely interesting. 

Case Homicides: Practical Investigative Techniques

By Richard H. Walton

This is a great book that outlines actual cases and how to conduct cold case investigations.  You really view homicides in a different light.  I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to write about a fictional cold case detective.

Crime Reconstruction

By Jerry Chisum & Brent E. Turvey

This is by far one of the more interesting books I’ve read about crime scenes.  The book talks about staged crime scenes and actually reconstructing a crime scene for an investigation. 

Criminal Profiling

By Brent Turvey

I love this book.  There is so much information about profiling to digest that it makes a wonderful reference book for writing in the crime fiction genre.  This is definitely not a light read, but it is worth your time.

Serial Killers

By Joel Norris

This was one of the first books I read about serial killers.  It talks about the how and why serial killers do what they do.  It really piqued my interest to learn more about this phenomenon.  Norris has some interesting theories and I’ve incorporated some of them into my novel “Compulsion”.  

 

Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation

By Barry A.J. Fisher 

This is a perfect overall academic book for anyone interested in the various areas of crime scene investigation and forensics.  This book is often used in college course work and it is a great beginning book on crime scene investigation.  This book is informative and I highly recommend it. 

Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us

By Robert D. Hare, PhD

I found this book to be one of those you casually pick up to read and then you can’t put it down!  It’s frightening, but enlightening at the same time.  If you’re interested in the psychology of a psychopath, I would recommend this book.  It’s an easy to read paperback.

Do you have any favorite forensic or crime scene investigation books?  Please feel free to leave your selection in the comments.  I would love to hear from you.

 

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[J. F. Juzwik]

Thanks for these.  I'm always looking for materials like this, not only to help me do research for my stories, but also because I find the whole field extremely fascinating.

[Tanis Mallow]

Thanks Jennifer for the info. I have a handy book called: Forensics A Guide for Writers by D. P. Lyle M. D. which covers a lot of general information. Its good for a quick reference or starting off point.